R. Finaly

Isolated Torsion of the Fallopian Tube in Premenarcheal Girls

The authors report on two premenarcheal girls, ages 4 and 13 years, with isolated torsion of the fallopian tube, an extremely rare condition. The fallopian tube was salvaged by detorsion in the younger girl, the first salvage described in the English literature on children. The mechanism of the isolated torsion and the clinical implications are discussed.

The use of collagen-coated vicryl mesh for reconstruction of the canine cervical esophagus.

Abstract Collagen-coated vicryl mesh (CCVM) was used experimentally to patch partial and total segmental defects in the canine cervical esophagus. The esophageal healing process over a 6-month period with successful incorporation of the CCVM and esophageal wall regeneration are described. Twenty-two (91.7%) of 24 dogs survived the procedure without any evidence of esophageal stricture or dysphagia. CCVM has proved to be a suitable material for substitution of esophageal tissue in the canine model. Its clinical use in congenital and acquired esophageal lesions should be considered only pending further experimental laboratory work.

Bridging of esophageal defects with lyophilized dura mater: An experimental study☆☆☆

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of a prosthetic biologic material-lyophilized dura mater (Lyodura) in patching esophageal defects in dogs, having in view its potential use in bridging long gap congenital esophageal atresia and patching acquired esophageal defects. To follow the incorporation process, 20 mongrel dogs had full-thickness, 6 cm2 cervical esophageal defects, patched with Lyodura. The dogs were sacrificed at different postoperative periods and the patched esophagus removed for gross and microscopic examination. In a second group of 10 dogs, a segment of the esophagus was excised and replaced by 3 cm in length and 2 cm in diameter, Lyodura tubes. In this group, prolonged follow-up was undertaken including radiologic, endoscopic, and histological assessment. Special attention was given to the swallowing function and to growth and development. This study shows that: (1) the area of prosthetic replacement was characterized by a narrowing of the esophageal wall and the histopathologic study showed that the epithelialization process was complete in about 2 months; and (2) muscle reconstruction did not take place at the patched areas. We conclude that, pending further studies and improvement, lyophilized dura mater can be considered as a successful alternative for bridging esophageal defects.

Laproscopic and thoracoscopic surgery in children and adolescents: A 3-year experience

Our initial experience over the last 3 years with laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery in children and adolescents is reported. Between September 1992 and August 1995, a total of 215 laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures were performed: 32 appendectomies for acute appendicitis, 10 cholecystectomies for symptomatic gallstones, 11 procedures for adnexal pathology, 6 laparoscopies in children with nonpalpable testes, 3 diagnostic laparoscopies, and 153 thoracoscopic sympathectomies in children suffering from primary palmar hyperhidrosis. The post-operative course was uneventful in all cases. In 2 children with acute appendicitis we converted to the open technique due to technical difficulties. We are encouraged by the results of our initial experience. There is no doubt that laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic surgery of adnexal pathology, and thoracoscopic sympathectomy, because of their numerous benefits - shorter operative time, hospitalization, and convalescence as well as less postoperative pain and improved cosmetic results - are replacing the open techniques. We are not convinced as yet of the advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy in children; we are presently performing both laparoscopic and conventional techniques and studying the various parameters in order to reach a more definite conclusion. Various other endoscopic surgical procedures will be carefully considered in the near future.

Erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity in Hirschsprung's disease in Israel

Hirschsprungs disease is a relatively prevalent disorder in newborn babies and young children. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is augmented locally, in the neural plexus of the affected gut segment. It has been suggested that this enzyme will also be increased in red blood cells (RBCs) of affected children. Thus, we studied AChE activity in newborn babies and children, as well as age-adjusted data. This Israeli study consisted of healthy and affected Bedouins as well as Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews. This study supports the Japanese study in that the RBC AChE is not augmented in Hirschsprungs disease. However, final conclusions cannot yet be drawn, because of the small sample.

Successful patching and incorporation of lyophilized dura mater (Lyodura) in the distal small-bowel wall

Lyophilized dura mater (Lyodura) was used successfully in patching defects in the antimesenteric side of the distal small bowel of rats, guinea pigs, and dogs. Excellent healing was observed. The Lyodura was completely incorporated and had disappeared after 6 weeks; single-layer cuboidal epithelium was evident at this stage. Well-formed villi were present at 12 weeks. All layers of the intestinal wall were present 1 year following patching. Although the use of Lyodura has been considered contra-indicated in contaminated surgical procedures, we conclude from this study that it can be used safely in the intestinal tract of laboratory animals. Its efficacy as a substrate for growing neomucosa in the intestinal tract was evident. The potential use of this method in experimental short-bowel syndrome should be further explored.

Visible dorsal paravertebral mass: an unusual presentation of neuroblastoma in infancy

Three infants presented with visible and palpable dorsal paravertebral mass caused by a retroperitoneal abdominal neuroblastoma penetrating the dorsal musculature. Attention is drawn to this unusual mode of primary presentation.